School districts in Texas are required by state law to assess the English language proficiency of all students whose Home Language Survey indicates other than English. If a student demonstrates limited English proficiency on the state's identification assessment, they will be eligible to participate in the appropriate language program: Bilingual Education (Dual Language) or English as a Second Language (ESL).

The goal of bilingual education/dual language services is to to enable emergent bilingual students to become competent in the reading, listening, speaking, and writing in both English and Spanish through the development of literacy and content academic skills in both languages.  Decatur ISD offers the bilingual education/dual language program at Rann Elementary for qualifying PreK - 5th grade students throughout the district.

The goal of ESL services is to enable emergent bilingual students to become competent in the reading, listening, speaking, and writing of the English language through the development of English literacy and academic skills in grade level content areas.  Decatur ISD offers the PreK - 12th grade ESL program at all elementary, middle, and high school campuses.